Delhi shutdown over CJP protest could cost taxpayers up to ₹91 crore
A protest by the Cockroach Janata Party against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar led Delhi authorities to shut metro stations, close liquor shops and markets, and suspend internet, incurring an estimated ₹90-91 crore loss.
The Cockroach Janata Party staged a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 to demand the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who faces allegations of electoral-roll irregularities. In response, authorities ordered the closure of 45 Delhi Metro stations, cancelled over 250 train services, and imposed a dry day by shutting liquor shops citywide. Markets in Connaught Place, Sadar Bazar and Khan Market were also closed for a day, while mobile internet was blocked within a 500-metre radius of designated sites.
The combined loss was calculated at about ₹90-91 crore, with the biggest components coming from liquor‑shop shutdowns (≈₹58.5 crore) and market closures (≈₹31.8 crore). The financial hit is expected to be borne by shop owners, workers and commuters. Security checks extended to hotels and religious sites, and police appealed for calm. No further restrictions were announced for October 11 as the protest continued.
Why it matters
The shutdown shows how political protests can trigger costly citywide disruptions that affect everyday citizens.
In this story
Related stories
12 in this thread